Trace metal levels and toxicity in the Huelva Estuary (Spain): A case study with comparisons to historical levels from the past decades

The Huelva Estuary, in the south of Spain, is a highly polluted area subject to heavy anthropogenic pressures such as coastal urbanization, fishing and tourism activities, commercial transports, as well as petrochemical, agrichemical and intense mining industry. Trace metal levels in sediments from the Huelva Estuary have been largely investigated over the last decades, but an evaluation through the years has not been considered yet. This study analyzed the current concentrations for Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Fe and organic matter content in sediments from two sampling sites (Muelle Capesa and Mazagón) and toxicity on fertilization and embryogenesis of sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus). Results were compared with data from the past decades. Zn and Cu displayed higher levels and enrichment in sediments from the Muelle Capesa close to the Huelva industrial area. Mazagón sediment, despite moderate levels and enrichment in Zn and Cu, is proved to be affected by anthropogenic impacts, due to continuous inputs from acid mine drainage and alongshore current transport. In our experiments, sea urchin fertilization rates and larval development were significantly affected by exposure to elutriates from Huelva Estuary sediments. Therefore, the Huelva Estuary area shows a declining but chronic contamination in Zn and Cu, originating from point and diffused anthropic activities, which in turn, are likely to cause adverse effects on the coastal ecosystem. Keywords: Trace metals, Sediment, Paracentrotus lividus bioassay, Huelva Estuary, Toxicit

Randomized controlled trial of probiotics for the prevention of spontaneous preterm delivery associated with intrauterine infection: study protocol

Background: Spontaneous preterm deliveries that occur before the 34th week of gestation, and particularly before the 32nd week of gestation, have been strongly associated to intrauterine infection, ascending from vagina, and represent the largest portion of neonatal deaths and neurological problems. Bacterial vaginosis, characterized by a diminished or absent flora of lactobacilli and increased colonization of several anaerobic or facultative microorganisms, increases two times the risk of preterm delivery before the 34th week. Trials of antibiotics failed to show efficacy and effectiveness against spontaneous preterm birth related to bacterial vaginosis. Some studies indicate benefit from selected probiotics to treat genitourinary infections, including bacterial vaginosis. Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the early administration of selected probiotics to pregnant women with asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis/intermediate degree infection to reduce the occurrence of spontaneous preterm delivery and related neonatal mortality and morbidity. Methods/Design: Women attending public prenatal care services in Rio de Janeiro will be screened to select asymptomatic pregnant women, less than 20 weeks' gestation, with no indication of elective preterm delivery. Those with vaginal pH > = 4.5 and a Nugent score between 4 and 10 (intermediate degree infection or bacterial vaginosis) will be randomized to either the placebo or the intervention group, after written informed consent. Intervention consists in the use of probiotics, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, 2 capsules a day, each capsule containing more than one million bacilli of each strain, for 6-12 weeks, up to the 24th-25th wk of gestation. Ancillary analyses include quantification of selected cervicovaginal cytokines and genotyping of selected polymorphisms. The randomization process is stratified for history of preterm delivery and blocked. Allocation concealment was designed as well as blinding of women, caregivers and outcome evaluators. The study will be supervised by an independent monitoring committee. Outcomes under study are preterm delivery (< 34- < 32 weeks of gestation) and associated neonatal complications: early neonatal sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and prematurity-related retinopathy; definitions were adapted from those recommended by the 2002 version of the Vermont-Oxford Network. Trial registration at NIH register: NCT00303082

A lapa do Bugio

A jazida pré-histórica do Bugio constitui uma das mais importantes grutas sepulcrais da faixa estremenha. Encontrava-se intacta à data das primeiras escavações, realizadas em 1957 e 1958. Vicissitudes várias que motivaram a dissolução da primeira equipa e favoreceram diversas depredações, entretanto realizadas, impediram que, antes do recomeço dos trabalhos, em 1966, mesmo dos materiais recuperados, se pudessem extrair todas as informações neles potencialmente contidas. Foi possível, a partir do estudo exaustivo do espólio conservado no Museu de Sesimbra e no recolhido nas escavações de 1966, estabelecer a seguinte sucessão cronológica-cultural: Primeira ocupação - corresponde talvez à ocupação mais importante, integrável no Neolítico recente-final estremenho. Estreitas analogias com o "horizonte dolménico" identificado na vizinha Lapa do Fumo e datado pelo rádio-carbono de 3090 ± 160 a. C. (SERRÃO,1978). A datação realizada no Bugio deu 2800 ± 45 a.C. Segunda ocupação- corresponde muito provavelmente a momento inicial (ou pleno) do Calcolítico, definido pela presença de raros produtos, como o recipiente de osso recolhido na sep. 7 e "ídolos" de calcário, de osso e marfim. Terceira ocupação - Calcolítico final, campaniforme - representada pelos Grupos de Palmela e Inciso. Trata-se da ocupação menos importante, excessivamente valorizada em trabalhos anteriores, talvez pela grande dispersão de fragmentos cerâmicos que não ultrapassam, contudo, nove recipientes (alguns deles representados por apenas um fragmento): taças em calote - (I), de bordo espessado - (I), de tipo Palmela - (I), caçoilas acampanadas - (2), e vasos campaniformes - (2), além de dois recipientes de tipologia mal definida.Le gisement préhistorique de Bugio est l 'une des plus importantes grottes sépulcrales du littoral de l'Estrémadure. Elle a été trouvée intacte lors des premières fouilles, réalisées en 1957 et 1958. Diverses vicissitudes, qui devaient aboutir à la dissolution de la première équipe de fouilleurs et favoriser le pillage du site, empêchèrent la difusion de toute information avant la reprise des travaux en 1966, même sur le matériel récupéré. A partir de l' étude exhaustive du mobilier conservé au Musée de Sesimbra et de celui qui a été découvert en 1966, on a pu établir les niveaux chronologiques suivants: Première occupation, peut-être la plus importante, s'intégrant dans le Néolithique récent et final de l'Estrémadure, présentant d' étroites analogies avec "l'horizon dolménique" identifié sur le site voisin de Lapa do Fumo, daté de 3090 ± 160 a.C. par radio-carbone (SERRÃO, 1978). La datation obtenue à Bugio est de 2800 ± 45 a.C.. Seconde occupation, correspondant très probablement à la phase initiale ou médiane du Chalcolithique, définie par de rares productions, comme le récipient en os recueilli dans la sépulture 7 et les "idoles" en calcaire, en os et en ivoire. Troisième occupation (Chalcolithique final, Campaniforme) représentée par les Groupes de Palmela et incisé. Il s'agit d'une occupation moins importante, surévaluée dans les travaux antérieurs, peut-être en raison de la grande dispersion des fragments de céramiques qui ne correspondaient, cependant, qu'à neuf récipients: coupes en calotte (1 ), coupes au bord épais (1), coupes de type de Palmela (1), casseroles en forme de cloche (2), vases campaniformes (2) et deux récipients à la typologie mal définie

Thermal plasticity in Drosophila melanogaster: A comparison of geographic populations

BACKGROUND: Populations of Drosophila melanogaster show differences in many morphometrical traits according to their geographic origin. Despite the widespread occurrence of these differences in more than one Drosophila species, the actual selective mechanisms controlling the genetic basis of such variation are not fully understood. Thermal selection is considered to be the most likely cause explaining these differences. RESULTS: In our work, we investigated several life history traits (body size, duration of development, preadult survival, longevity and productivity) in two tropical and two temperate natural populations of D. melanogaster recently collected, and in a temperate population maintained for twelve years at the constant temperature of 18°C in the laboratory. In order to characterise the plasticity of these life history traits, the populations were grown at 12, 18, 28 and 31.2°C. Productivity was the fitness trait that showed clearly adaptive differences between latitudinal populations: tropical flies did better in the heat but worse in the cold environments with respect to temperate flies. Differences for the plasticity of other life history traits investigated between tropical and temperate populations were also found. The differences were particularly evident at stressful temperatures (12 and 31.2°C). CONCLUSION: Our results evidence a better cold tolerance in temperate populations that seems to have been evolved during the colonisation of temperate countries by D. melanogaster Afrotropical ancestors, and support the hypothesis of an adaptive response of plasticity to the experienced environment

Instrumentação virtual para avaliação automática de gordura corporal com tecnologia wireless

Um método universalmente utilizado para avaliação subcutânea de gordura corporal baseia-se em medições antropométricas obtidas através de um instrumento portátil e de baixo custo designado por Lipocalibrador. Este método não invasivo, considerado duplamente indirecto, permite a determinação quantitativa da composição corporal em tecido gordo e não gordo pela medição da espessura de pregas cutâneas1. Este método éreconhecido na literatura como a forma mais simples de avaliar estes dois compartimentos e fornece resultados fiáveis se correctamente aplicado. Mas, para queos resultados sejam consistentes, tem que ser realizado por técnicos altamente especializados, seguindo um procedimento estipulado e procurando minimizaravaliações e decisões subjectivas2.O trabalho que se apresenta procura reduzir as subjectividades inerentes a este método de medição, facilitando a sua utilização na prática clínica e na avaliação de grandes amostras populacionais

Expressão da progranulina durante os primeiros estágios de desenvolvimento hepático em ratos Fischer 344

Transplants are the only effective therapy for the treatment of advanced liver diseases such as cirrhosis. Given the limited number of organ donors, regenerative medicine has sought for sources of cells and tissues for replacement therapy. Embryonic stem cells are a promising source of material for transplantation because of their exclusive property of being expanded indefinitely in culture, thus, they are a source of replacement tissue. Moreover, they are capable of differentiating into practically all cell types, and may be utilized in replacement therapy in various diseases. The liver bud has bipotent stem cells that have not yet differentiated into hepatocytes or biliary duct cells; however, they have great potential of proliferation and differentiation. Thus, the challenge is to identify methods that promote their differentiation in specific and functional strains. This study aimed to evaluate the role of the progranulin growth factor PGRN during the liver development of rats F344, since this growth factor could be utilized in protocols of differentiation of stem cells of the liver bud in functional hepatocytes. The results showed that PGRN is present during different periods of hepatogenesis in F344 rats, and that this growth factor should be involved in the process of differentiation of hepatoblasts into hepatocytes after activation by HNF4α , however, PGRN seems not to exert a cellular proliferation function during the hepatogenesis. Thus, PGRN can be used in future protocols of liver cell differentiation directed toward cellular therapy in Regenerative Medicine.Os transplantes são a única terapia eficaz para o tratamento de doenças hepáticas avançadas, como a cirrose. Dado o número limitado de doadores de órgãos, a medicina regenerativa tem procurado fontes de células para a terapia de substituição. As células embrionárias são uma fonte promissora de material para o transplante devido à sua propriedade exclusiva de ser expandida indefinidamente em cultura, assim, elas são uma fonte de tecido de substituição. Além disso, são capazes de se diferenciar em praticamente todos os tipos celulares, e podem ser utilizadas na terapia de substituição em várias doenças. O broto hepático tem células-tronco (CT) bipotenciais que ainda não se diferenciam em hepatócitos ou células do ducto biliar, contudo, elas têm um grande potencial de proliferação e de diferenciação. Desse modo, o desafio é identificar métodos que promovam sua diferenciação em linhagens específicas e funcionais. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o papel do fator de crescimento progranulina (PGRN) durante o desenvolvimento hepático em ratos F344, uma vez que a PGRN poderia ser utilizada em protocolos de diferenciação de CT do broto hepático em hepatócitos funcionais. Os resultados mostraram que PGRN está presente durante diferentes períodos da hepatogênese em ratos F344, e que a mesma deve estar envolvida no processo de diferenciação de hepatoblastos em hepatócitos após ativação por HNF4α, no entanto, a PGRN parece não desempenhar uma função de proliferação celular durante a hepatogênese. Assim, a PGRN pode ser usada em futuros protocolos de diferenciação de células hepáticas voltadas para a terapia celular na medicina regenerativa

Morphological evaluation of fetal membranes and placenta of wild life Mazama gouazoubira deer in the first third of pregnancy

Mazama gouazoubira, o veado-catingueiro, é uma espécie de cervídeo de porte pequeno, que pode ser encontrado na América do Sul, desde o sul do Uruguai até o norte de Mato Grosso, no Brasil. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever as membranas fetais e a placenta de M. gouazoubira no terço inicial de gestação. As amostras coletadas foram analisadas macroscopicamente e microscopicamente. O exame do útero demonstrou uma gestação univitelina e um embrião com crown-rump de 13mm. Na análise do embrião pode ser observado o olho pigmentado, as saliências auriculares, o mesonefro e e metanefro em desenvolvimento, o fígado e sua proeminência externa, o estômago, os membros torácicos e os brotos dos membros pélvicos. A placenta apresentou-se oligocotiledonária e no útero puderam ser observadas nove carúnculas. O saco gestacional mediu 15cm de comprimento e, como observado no início da gestação dos ruminantes domésticos, os cotilédones não puderam ser identificados macroscopicamente. Uma fraca adesão foi observada entre as carúnculas e a membrana corioalantóica (cotilédones) que formavam os placentônios. A membrana corioalantóica demonstrou um alantóide bem vascularizado composto por uma fina camada de células de núcleos e citoplasmas alongados. Na outra face da membrana, o cório foi composto por células cúbicas, de citoplasmas escassos e núcleos grandes e arredondados, características de células trofoblásticas. Envolvendo o embrião visualizou-se o saco amniótico constituído de duas camadas passíveis de separação mecânica, que apresentaram morfologia similar, sendo formadas por um epitélio pavimentoso avascular. Não foi observado saco vitelino no estágio gestacional do espécime estudado. Conclui-se que a placenta de M. gouazoubira é oligocotiledonária, como observado em outros cervídeos, e que as membranas fetais apresentam semelhanças com a de outros ruminantes, incluindo as características citológicas. Estudos adicionais são necessários para determinar a presença do saco vitelino e quando ocorre sua regressão.Mazama gouazoubira is a small-sized deer, which can be found in South America, from southern Uruguay to the north of Mato Grosso, Brazil. This study aimed to describe the fetal membranes and placenta of M. gouazoubira in the first third of pregnancy. Samples collected were macroscopically and microscopically analyzed. Uterus examination demonstrated univitelinic gestation with an embryo measuring a crown-rump length of 13mm. In the embryo analysis we could identify the pigmented eye, auricular hillocks, mesonephron and early metanephron, liver and its external prominence, stomach, thoracic members and buds of pelvic members. Placenta was oligocotyledonary and nine caruncles were found in the uterus. Gestational sac measured 15cm in length, and, as observed in the early gestation of domestic ruminants, cotyledons could not be identified macroscopically. A weak adhesion was found between caruncles and chorioallantoic membrane (cotyledons) forming the placentomes. The chorioallantoic membrane showed a well-vascularized allantoid composed by a thin layer of cells with stretched nucleus and cytoplasm. On the other side of the membrane, the chorion was composed by cubic cells with scant cytoplasm and large-rounded nuclei, features of trophoblast cells. Involving the embryo we identified a two-layered amniotic sac. Layers could be mechanically separated and had similar morphology, showing a non-vascularized squamous epithelium. There was no yolk sac in the gestational stage of this specimen. We concluded that the placenta of M. gouazoubira is an oligocotyledonary placenta, as observed in others cervids, and that the fetal membranes showed similarities with those from other domestic ruminants, including cytological characteristics. Further studies are required in order to determine the presence of the yolk sac and its regression time

Biological characterization of Cynara cardunculus L. Methanolic extracts: antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-migratory and anti-angiogenic activities

Cynara cardunculus (Cc) is a multipurpose species; beyond its use in southwestern European cuisine, it is also used for the production of solid biofuel, seed oil, biodiesel, paper pulp and cheese, as well as animal feed. In addition, Cc has a long tradition of use in folk medicine as a diuretic and liver protector. The value of this species as a source of bioactive compounds is known; however, pharmacological use would further increase its cultivation. The main goal of the current work was to evaluate the potential of Cc as source of anti-carcinogenic phytochemicals. Different methanolic extracts obtained from wild and cultivated plants were tested for antioxidant activity and effect on breast tumor cell viability. The most effective extract, both as antioxidant and inhibition of tumor cell viability, was tested for effects on angiogenesis and tumor cell migration capacity. All the extracts tested had high antioxidant activity; however, only green leaves and dry head extracts exhibit anti-proliferative activity. Green cultivated leaves (GCL) were the most effective extract both as antioxidant and inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells; it is equally active inhibiting tumor cell migration and in vivo angiogenesis. GCL extract is an effective inhibitor of several key points in tumor development and thus a promising source of anti-carcinogenic phytochemicals.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The prevalence of and variables associated with smoking in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of smoking and the presence of variables associated with the habit in children and adolescents of both sexes, aged 7 to 17 years, resident in the city of Maceió. METHODS: A cross-sectional epidemiological study of the student population of the both private and public education systems at elementary and high school level. Sample size was calculated based on the minimum predicted prevalence of a large number of variables, including smoking itself. Cluster sampling was employed. A questionnaire on smoking habits was completed during individual interviews with each student. Children who admitted having smoked on 1 or more day during the previous 30 were defined as current smokers. The variables analyzed were related to: the students (age, sex, previous experimentation with cigarettes and paid employment), their educational status (public/private school, daytime/evening lessons, grade and repeated years) and their families (economic status, smoking parents and separated parents). RESULTS: A total of 1,253 students were analyzed (547 were male, mean age was 12.4 2.9 years). Observed smoking prevalence was 2.4%. Multivariate statistical analysis demonstrated significant associations between smoking and: increased age (odds ratio: 1.31); previous experimentation with cigarettes (odds ratio: 33.96); studying during the evening (odds ratio: 5.43). It was observed that 286 students (22.8%) admitted having experimented with cigarettes (9% from 7 to 9 years; 21% from 10 to 14 years; 36% from 15 to 17 years). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of smoking among children and adolescents in the Maceió educational system is 2.4%, being most common among students aged 15 to 17 years, studying in the evening. Students who had experimented with cigarettes exhibited a 34 times greater chance of becoming smokers.OBJETIVO: Identificar a prevalência do hábito de fumar e a ocorrência de variáveis associadas ao hábito em crianças e adolescentes de 7 a 17 anos, de ambos os sexos e provenientes da cidade de Maceió. MÉTODOS: Estudo epidemiológico transversal, baseado na população de alunos da rede de ensino público e privada, níveis fundamental e médio. Cálculo da amostra baseado na menor prevalência esperada de inúmeras variáveis, incluindo tabagismo. Amostragem por conglomerados. Questionário sobre o hábito de fumar; entrevista individual com cada estudante. Considerado fumante atual aquele que admitiu ter fumado em 1 ou mais dias nos últimos 30 dias. Variáveis analisadas: relacionadas ao estudante (idade, sexo, experimentação prévia de cigarros e trabalho remunerado), à sua condição na escola (pública/privada, turno, nível e repetência) e à família (classificação econômica, pais fumantes e pais separados). RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 1.253 estudantes (547 do sexo masculino, média de idade 12,4±2,9 anos). Identificou-se uma prevalência de tabagismo de 2,4%. A análise estatística multivariada demonstrou associação significante do hábito de fumar com: maior idade (odds ratio de 1,31); experimentação prévia de cigarros (odds ratio de 33,96); estudar no período noturno (odds ratio de 5,43). Observou-se que 286 estudantes (22,8%) admitiram haver experimentado cigarros (9% de 7 a 9 anos; 21% de 10 a 14 anos; 36% de 15 a 17 anos). CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de tabagismo em crianças e adolescentes da rede de ensino da cidade de Maceió é de 2,4%, sendo mais freqüente em estudantes de 15 a 17 anos, do curso noturno. Estudantes que experimentaram cigarros apresentam 34 vezes mais chances de se tornarem fumantes.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Universidade Federal de Alagoas Faculdade de MedicinaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de MedicinaUniversidade Federal de AlagoasUNIFESP, EPMSciEL